The Legion of Mary is the largest lay organization in the Roman Catholic Church. The international association is made up of practicing Catholics who serve the Church on a voluntary basis, with membership highest in South Korea, Philippines, Brazil, Argentina and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its mission is one of outreach to Catholics and non-Catholics, encouraging them to strengthen their faith and involvement in the Church or inviting them to consider Catholicism. Founded in Dublin in 1921, the organization initially reached out to the injured and the ill in hospitals, but they were soon actively reaching out to the destitute, including Dublin prostitutes. Originally met with skepticism by Church leaders, after Pope Pius XI praised the Legion in 1931, the mistrust was quelled, and soon the organization had spread to Africa, South America, and other locations. The basis unit of the Legion of Mary is known as a Praesidium, generally based in a parish, which meets weekly. The next level up in the hierarchy is the Curia, and one Curia will supervise several Praesidia. The Comitium is in charge of an area like a medium-sized city, or part of a province, containing several Curiae, while the Regia is in charge of larger territories like a province or a state. The Senatus has authority over the Regiae in a large area, like a country or very large territory, and the Concilium is the highest level in the organization; headquartered in Dublin, the Concilium has control over all of the Legion. Membership in Ireland has been declining due to the Legion's failure to attract young people. While essentially a lay organization, each level of the Legion must have a priest serving as Spiritual director. A primary goal of the Legion is the sanctification of its members through prayer, the sacraments, and devotion to Mary and the Trinity, as well as to the whole world through the work of the organization. Membership in the Legion of Mary is open to all baptized Catholics.
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The Legion of Mary is a lay Catholic organization who members offer service to the Church on a voluntary basis, working throughout the world. The history and a profile of the Legion is posted, with information on its projects and causes, legion prayers, and encouragement to true devotion to Mary. The handbook of the Legion and other literature from the Concilium may be ordered through the site, including a promotional DVD.
http://www.legionofmary.ie/
Although not an official site of the Legion, an overview of the organization’s history, purpose and organizational structure is set forth here, along with a variety of other resources related to the organization, such as the text of the Tessera Prayers, which are recited at every Legion meeting, suggested Handbook readings, and the text of speeches from Church leaders pertaining to the Legion.
http://www.legionofmary.org/
An overview of the largest Catholic lay organization is presented, along with its organizational structure, the official handbook of the Legion, as well as handbook readings. Significant people within the organization are acknowledged, and its membership policies, meeting schedules, and tips and instructions for performing many of the services provided by the Legion. Other resources include prayers, apologetics, songs, forms and various documents.
http://www.legionofmaryinfo.org/
Legion of Mary Melbourne Senatus
The Legion of Mary is an international Catholic lay organization that collaborates in the Roman Catholic Church’s evangelistic efforts. The Melbourne Senatus is headquartered in North Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia. An informational brochure, the organization’s handbook and other documents may be downloaded from the site. Its patron saints are identified, membership policies are posted, and the Legion’s causes are outlined.
http://www.legionofmary.net.au/
Legion of Mary New York Regional Senatus
The Regional Senatus is made up of Legionaries from New York State and northern New Jersey, embracing six Comitia, fourteen Curiae, and twenty-one Praesidia. Its office location, contacts and hours are published to the site, the history and early days of the Legion are discussed, and the official handbook of the Legion can be downloaded from the site. Links to other Legion sites are included.
http://www.legion-of-mary-ny.org/
Members of the Legion of Mary carry out weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A profile of the organization and its work is put forth, and historic leaders of the Legion are acknowledged. Other resources include the text of the prayers that are recited at each Legion meeting, news and events, and the location of the Senatus offices in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, contacts and office hours.
http://www.legionofmary.org.au/
The Dublin, Ireland Curia House is home to several functions of the Legion of Mary each week. Its location and schedules are published to the site, and the Praesida within its area of responsibility are identified, with schedules and project reports, as well as other programs and facilities under the control of the Legion in this area. Other resources include Legion prayers, the Legion handbook, and contacts.
http://www.legionofmaryd7.com/
